How I Shop: Tina Kunakey

We all buy clothes, but no two people shop the same. It can be a social experience, and a deeply personal one; at times, it can be impulsive and entertaining, at others, purpose-driven, a chore. Where do you shop? When do you shop? How do you decide what you need, how much to spend and what's "you"? These are some of the questions we're putting to prominent figures in our column "How I Shop."

Scrolling through Tina Kunakey's Instagram feed is a similar experience to searching "French 'It' girl" on Pinterest: You'll see effortless-seeming outfits that whisper star power, endless "clean girl" makeup inspiration and sprinkles of an envy-inducing modeling portfolio.

Kunakey first gained attention for her appearances in music videos for artists like A$AP Rocky and M.Pokora. The now-27-year-old French model has continued to make a name for herself in fashion and beauty, becoming a muse for major brands and appearing in numerous campaigns. Her most recent project is with Victoria's Secret, a swimwear campaign titled "Escape to Summer," inspired by the '90s and early 2000s.

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"Growing up, I used to see this specific Victoria's Secret vanity case all the time — for years," Kunakey recalls. "Every time I was traveling in an airport, I thought about how much I wanted this particular one, but it was always out of stock. Getting to work with a brand that I looked up to when I was younger makes me so proud."

Beyond modeling for brands, Kunakey is also regularly spotted in the FROW of some of the biggest shows across the globe — for brands like Gucci, Prada, Loewe and, her favorite, Alaïa.

"[Alaïa] is one of the brands that made me want to work in fashion," she says. "I was obsessed with Azzedine, and I'm now obsessed with Peter Mulier. Every time I wear an Alaïa look, it reminds me why I started working in this world."

Ahead, Kunakey shares the most worn piece in her closet, the swim she's shopping for summer, her go-to boutiques from New York to Paris and more.

"When I was a kid, I used to dress in a very boyish style. I just wanted to wear sweatpants. Once my mom let me start dressing myself, I realized I didn't have to stick to one look per day. I was putting on a skirt over a dress and this and that. I soon realized that I was really into fashion.

"One of the hero pieces in my closet is a pair of vintage Japanese denim jeans that I always wear. They go with everything. I can just wear a plain white T-shirt or a sweatshirt with them and then a pair of cool sneakers. I pack those jeans in my luggage when I'm traveling for a job but am not totally sure what I'm going to do. They always get the job done.

"When I'm in Paris, I'm dressed very easy-going, because I also have a little one, so I have to be able to run after her and be comfortable. When I travel for work and for fashion week, I always bring a lot of different options. When I'm traveling somewhere sunny, I always overpack swimsuits.

"I loved shooting the Victoria's Secret 'Escape to Summer' campaign. There's a fringe monokini and a strappy bandeau look that I'm super excited about. I'm going to Brazil, so I'm really looking forward to wearing those pieces there.

"I would describe my red-carpet style as more classic than trendy. In my everyday life, I'm more free to explore, but when it's for a red carpet, I'm always trying to wear things that I know I'll look back on ten years from now and still love.

"A favorite look that I wore this past season was at Miu Miu. I had this aubergine bomber jacket with burnt orange pants, which I paired with sneakers. I also love all my looks when I go to Jacquemus shows. I love Simon [Porte Jacquemus], and he always tries to dress me like a doll, which I love. I always feel very feminine and like I look younger when he dresses me. He's so fresh, and there's always very good vibes with anything he does.

"I really enjoy combining different aesthetics from different eras. I wouldn't say I'm more obsessed with the '70s or the '90s — it mostly depends on my mood. The key for me is to always be comfortable, but stay open to letting myself be inspired by different moments.

"I love this black bomber that I wear anywhere from a red carpet to going for a walk. I also have tons of Alaïa bodysuits that are perfect to wear with literally anything.

"A bag I'm always wearing is my black Hermes Kelly. It's very classic. I wear it most of the time at the airport with sweatpants, because I love the contrast between those two looks — I think it's fun.

"I love to shop when I travel because, nowadays, you can buy everything online, and it takes the storytelling out of it. If I'm going to New York for a few days, I know I'll want to buy something, because it will be attached to a memory. When I buy beautiful pieces, I like them to have a story.

"Because I have a lot of clothes, I honestly don't think I'll ever need anything else. I could live my entire life with the clothes I already have. I'm in an era where I'm trying to work with what I already own and only buy things that are very special.

"When I'm in New York, I love going to Dover Street Market. In Paris, I love Broken Arm — they have a very cool selection. I also go to my friend's showroom, Carpenter. The Bottega Veneta shop in Paris was recently renovated as well, and it left me speechless. The new store is very, very beautiful.

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"My mom is definitely my style icon. When I was growing up, she always wore the same pair of jeans and just changed her sneakers, but when she had to go to something more formal, she would transform herself into a more feminine and elegant woman. I think I inherited that energy from her.

"One of the first things I ever splurged on was an Alaïa dress. Now it's called the 'Tina,' I think — it's a black shirt dress that's a bit short. I wore it so much, it's not even black anymore. I have to buy a new one."

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Homepage photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images